About Macular Degeneration

Age Related Macular Degeneration (also known as AMD or ARMD) is a progressive eye disease that usually occurs in baby boomers and mature seniors and results in the loss of vision in the center of the visual field (the macula) caused by damage to the retina.

Age related macular degeneration is the leading cause of visual impairment and blindness in the United States in adults over the age of 55. More than 10 million Americans suffer from macular degeneration and millions more around the world suffer from some stage of AMD ranging from beginning stages to advanced stages of this eye disease.

AMD comes in two forms:  “Wet” and “Dry”

The “wet” form consists of about 10% of the cases diagnosed annually, and the “dry” form consists of about 90% of cases diagnosed annually.

All age related macular degeneration begins in early stages as dry macular degeneration and may progress into the more advanced wet form over time.

Currently, there is no cure for age related macular degeneration.  The best hope that one has is to slow the progression of AMD and reduce the risk of vision loss.

Wet macular degeneration usually presents itself with wavy lines appearing in your vision, and the treatment option for wet AMD usually consists of injections into your eye from your eye care specialist.

However, you may be able to slow the progression of the dry form of AMD with nutrition.

The largest completed study to date was completed by the National Eye Institute’s Age Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS).  They concluded that high levels of zinc and antioxidants may help slow dry macular degeneration and reduce vision loss.

The specific antioxidants studied were:  Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Beta-carotene, Zinc and Copper

The follow up study, AREDS 2, studied lutein (pronounced LOO-tee), zeaxanthin (pronounced Zea-zan-thin), and Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oils). AREDS 2 concluded that lutein and zeaxanthin also help slow age related macular degeneration and reduce the risk of vision loss.

Diet should be able to provide proper nutrition to protect your eyes, however, the problem in today’s society is that the typical diet falls far short of delivering these essential antioxidants in the much needed quantities.

Since most people are not able to get the proper nutrition in the necessary quantities through diet alone it is recommended to use a daily eye vitamin supplement containing the proper ingredients believed to help slow dry macular degeneration.

Smoker Alert:  Research studies have suggested a link between high doses of beta-carotene and increased cases of lung cancer in people who smoke or who were once heavy smokers.  It is important to choose a beta-carotene free supplement (like Preserve Mac Forte) if you smoke or were once a heavy smoker.

Additional Resources: Preserve Mac Forte Video [watch now]